Mallis Handbook Technical Forum Set For December

CLEVELAND - PCT announces the Mallis Handbook Technical Forum, a three-day conference featuring a wide array of technical sessions from leading entomologists from throughout the United States. The conference coincides with the soon-to-be-published 1oth edition of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control.

The Mallis Technical Forum, set for Dec. 5-7 at the Renaissance SeaWorld at Orlando,  features an author’s recognition dinner, in addition to a broad mix of technical sessions featuring some of the most sought-after speakers in the pest management industry.

“Whether you’re an owner/operator, technical director, service technician or student, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to interact with leading entomologists from throughout North America,” said Dan Moreland, publisher of PCT magazine. “CEU credits will be awarded and every registrant will receive a coupon for a 40 percent discount on the purchase of the 10th Edition of the Handbook of Pest Control.”

Registration cost of the three-day conference is $299 per person. Group discounts are available for multiple registrations from the same company. A student registration rate of $169 per person also is available. To register, visit www.mallishandbook.com/forum or call 800/456-0707 and ask for a conference representative.

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for registered attendees of the event at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World. The group rate is $169 per night plus tax (single/double occupancy) with complimentary Internet access included. Reservations can be made by calling 800/266-9432 or 407/351-5555 and asking for the Mallis Handbook Technical Forum rate.

Space is limited, so attendees are urged to make their reservations early. A brief overview of the conference program follows:

Program At-a-Glance
Totally Termites
Dr. Michael Potter, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

Termites continue to be a core market for pest management professionals from coast-to-coast, but the science of termite control has advanced significantly since the previous edition of the Handbook of Pest Control, challenging conventional thinking as it relates to this prehistoric pest. PMPs have of a wide array of options for managing termite infestations and scientists are learning more every day about the biology and behavior of these cryptic insects. Pulling it all together is Dr. Potter, one of the country’s leading authorities on this wood-destroying pest, which causes more than $6 billion damage every year in North America.    

The Amazing World of Rodents
Dr. Robert Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting, Richmond, Ind.

Spending the last few years studying the biology and behavior of rodents in various alleys and subterranean tunnels beneath New York City, Dr. Robert Corrigan is arguably the country’s leading authority on rats and mice, providing practical insights about these highly adaptable creatures that represent millions of dollars in revenue for the pest management industry. Learn the latest research findings about rats and mice while being regaled with stories from the “front lines” of the industry by one of the most talented and entertaining speakers to grace any podium.

The Secret Life of Ants
Dr. Karen Vail, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

One of the most highly evolved and dominant group of insects in the world, there are few creatures more intriguing than the ant. And who better to share their insights about this ubiquitous pest than Dr. Karen Vail, a noted ant researcher and extension entomologist from the University of Tennessee who is one of the most sought-after speakers in the industry. From the growing threat of invasive species and a discussion of the feeding habits of ants to practical strategies for controlling specific ant species, Dr. Vail will provide attendees with a wealth of information they can apply immediately to their business, reducing callbacks and enhancing control for an array of structure-infesting ants.  

Occasional Invaders & Overwintering Pests
Frank Meek, Orkin Pest Control, Atlanta, Ga.

While occasional invaders may appear to be “minor” pests to the pest management professional, they are “major” pests to the client. Veteran PMP Frank Meek – who recently celebrated his 25th anniversary at Orkin – boasts a wealth of “hands-on” experience with occasional invaders and overwintering pests from around the globe. From earwigs and silverfish to lady beetles to brown  marmorated stink bugs, this veteran PMP will share his practical insights about the biology and control of common and not-so-commonly encountered occasional invaders.  

Born to be Wild
Scott McNeely, McNeely’s Pest Control, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Are you thinking about entering the urban wildlife market or expanding your offerings to include a broader range of vertebrate pest control services? If so, you’ll want to attend this session, led by one of the foremost authorities on the subject, Scott McNeely, a member of the Copesan Technical Committee with more than 25 years experience trapping and managing wildlife. Whether its groundhogs, marmots and porcupines or snakes, moles and opossums, you’ll get the answers you need at this informative session.

Pest Control in Food Plants & Complex Commercial Accounts
Jay Bruesch, Plunkett’s Pest Control, Fridley, Minn.    

Servicing high-end commercial accounts like health care facilities, food plants and museums requires special skills and professional expertise, the kind of knowledge acquired only after decades of practical, “hands-on” experience servicing complex commercial environments. After nearly 30 years in the business, Jay Bruesch – the longtime technical director of Plunkett’s Pest Control who was elected to the Minnesota Pest Management Association Hall of Fame in 2006 – is uniquely qualified to discuss these topics and share his expertise with attendees of the Mallis Handbook Technical Forum. If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to succeed in the highly competitive commercial sector, don’t miss this session.

Implementing Structural Pest Management
Jeff Tucker, Entomology Associates, Houston, Texas

Pest management doesn’t take place at the pest control company office or training room. It doesn’t take place at industry conferences and educational meetings. Pest management can only occur at one location – the customer’s home or business. And the only individual that can provide it is the service professional. Before front-line service personnel can be successful, however, they must understand the basic tenets of Structural Integrated Pest Management (SPM), which is where Jeff Tucker, a Board Certified Entomologist and noted industry consultant comes in. Whether you’re an owner/operator, technical director or technician, upon leaving this session you’ll be armed with everything you need to incorporate SPM into your treatment protocols.  

Bed Bugs & Spiders & Cockroaches, Oh My!
Stoy Hedges, Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn.

Dorothy, the iconic protagonist in The Wizard of Oz, was concerned about lions and tigers and bears, but PMPs have much more practical concerns, at least from their customers’ perspective. In this session, the editorial director for the 10th Edition of the Handbook of Pest Control shares the key highlights from the chapters devoted to Ectoparasites: Bed Bugs & Kissing Bugs, Spider, and Cockroaches.  

Building an Insect Collection: How to Get Started
Stoy Hedges, Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn.

Insect collecting is not only a great hobby, but a valuable learning tool for PMPs and technical directors interested in enhancing the educational experience of front-line service personnel. Learn how to create a high-quality insect collection – from collecting and preserving insects to mounting and displaying your specimens – in this informative, “hands-on” session.

Photographing Insects
Tom Myers, All-Rite Pest Control, Lexington, Ky.

Tom Myers, owner and president of All-Rite Pest Control, is a respected nature photographer whose extensive knowledge of insects has enabled him to take exquisite photographs of these remarkable creatures. His travels around the globe – including photographic expeditions to Africa, Antarctica and the Amazon Rain Forest – have generated an impressive portfolio of stunning images that will inspire anyone with a passion for insects. Learn the tricks of the trade from one of the finest insect photographers in the country, a man who has had his work published in leading publications throughout North America, including National Geographic magazine.